Implies the bowsprit's angle from the horizon: formerly it stood at an angle of 70 to 80 degrees, and was indeed almost a bow mast or sprit. Also, the stowing of cotton, wool, or other cargo, in a merchantman's hold with a jack-screw.
·noun ·see <<Steeve>>, ·noun (a). II. Steeving ·noun The act or practice of one who steeves. III. ...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language